Sparring over Worship
Steve Bierly
January 1, 1997
I wrestled with whether to let Kevin sing during the morning worship service. I felt uncomfortable with one of his selections, a soft rock song done in a falsetto. But I overrode my reservations; the song was theologically correct and had a clear message.
Afterward, one church leader told Kevin his song was "an abomination that totally ruined the worship service" and that "this sort of thing has no place in the church of Jesus Christ" and that a man singing in falsetto was "unnatural."
It wasn't long before Kevin left the congregation. "It's obvious this group will never accept what I have to offer," he told me. "I want to use the gifts the Lord has given me for him."
The music-style-in-worship debate is nothing if not divisive. Those who prefer traditional hymns clash with those bringing drums and guitars into the sanctuary. People on each side of the debate believe they are defenders of the way God wants to be worshiped.
Can congregations make a lasting peace over this issue?
Those who prefer hymns and those who prefer choruses often feel their differences. As pastor to both, I try to emphasize five points.
1. This issue is not new.
I remind those who prefer hymns that the songs they consider traditional were once new, radical, and controversial. Hymn writer Isaac Watts composed his music as a reaction against the accepted church music of his day. Today, his works (including "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," "Joy to the World," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and "Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed") are so much a part of the church's repertoire, it's hard to believe they were once the new tunes on the block.
God has given new generations new songs in the past, and there's no reason to believe he's not doing so now; the ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,358 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
